Thousands of people gathered in central Auckland as two separate protests unfolded across the city, prompting road closures, bus diversions and a visible police presence, but ending without incident.
The protest organised by Freedom and Rights Coalition, an umbrella organisation created by Destiny Church, was stopped from accessing the Auckland Harbour Bridge, while a separate demonstration in support of Palestinian, Arab and Muslim communities moved through the CBD under police escort.
Waitematā District Commander Superintendent Naila Hassan said no arrests were made during either of the protests, and the police operation was successful.
“Pleasingly, Aucklanders have been able to largely go about their weekend without incident.
“We thank the public for their understanding, particularly those motorists who were briefly stopped on the Northern Motorway earlier today.”
Around 1200 people crowded Victoria Park to listen to Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki before making their way down to the motorway entrance.
They were met with around 90 officers who formed a firm barricade on the SH1 on and off ramp at Fanshawe St, blocking the crowd from attempting to march across the bridge as planned.
In the hours before the march in social media posts and during his speech, Tamaki asked the protesters to remain peaceful, despite the disappointment of not being able to march over the bridge.
Police said the roads around Victoria Park were closed to motorists as a “precautionary measure”.
The crowd gathered at 11am, before making the short walk up Beaumont St at midday, following a speech from Tamaki. Most wore blue T-shirts and waved New Zealand flags while chanting and cheering.
They gathered at the police cordon for around 15 minutes before peacefully turning away and returning to the park.
The walk across one of the country’s most vital routes was denied by the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi due to safety concerns.
“Anyone attempting this will be subject to enforcement action, and we strongly urge anyone considering taking part to think about their actions.
“Police reiterate that the public has the right to protest, provided that it is peaceful and lawful.”
Tamaki said he was proud of the crowd that showed up after police did “everything they could to keep them away”.
“All week they just smashed it, smashed it, threatened us with all sorts of arrest and enforcement. I don’t think I would have brought my kids either, I don’t know if I’d have come either.”
He said the protest was “always just a peaceful standing”, and he was not there to fight police or anyone else.
A march organised by the group, Toitū Te Aroha, also began at 11am. Protesters gathered at Te Komititanga Square (Britomart) before marching up Queen St to Myers Park in support of the Palestine, Arab and Muslim communities that have been targeted by hate and intimidation.
Eru Kapa-Kingi addressed the protesters, where he spoke about peace, love and bringing everyone together.
Queen St was blocked off for just over an hour as the crowd moved its way up to Myers Park, and dispersed from there at around 2pm.
Police said there were no issues of note during both protests.
Buses were rerouted across the CBD while the protests took place, and motorists were urged to delay travel into the city.